Past 6:10 AM!!!

Last night I was telling Jackie how my kids always wake up so early in the morning.  I was telling her how a friend has to get her kids out of bed in the morning so they can be ready for school at 8:50 in the morning.  I've never had to wake my kids up for school.  Unless something special is planned that makes us wake them earlier than 6:00 AM, they are always the ones up first.  So, it surprised me this morning when Shelby, Brennon, and Tyson slept in until EIGHT O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING!!!  Bella was actually whining in her crate to be let out.  I wonder how late they actually would have gone.  I'll never know.  However, it's pure bliss to know that one time in my life, I woke up earlier than they did!  I would love for it to become a habit, but I'm not holding my breath:)

The Mail Key

Before we left for Utah, Caden took Bella for a walk to the mailbox.  He forgot to put the keys back, so we ended up with both of the mail keys here in Utah, leaving Randy wondering how he was going to get his mail all week.  With all of my genius-ness, I decided that I was going to mail the key and surprise him with it.  Then I realized my mistake.  Hours later!  Sometimes I really do struggle with my genius thought processes:)  I do now know that I could send it FedEx and it would get to the front door, thus allowing him to unlock the mailbox.  I got that thought the next afternoon.  (Pointing to my head)  "It's all up here!"

84 Pics!

When making sure I had my camera fully charged for our trip to Utah this past weekend, I found 84 pictures of this cutie- none of which were taken by me.  Not all this close up, but most right in her face.  My kids are still quite attached to this girl.  I'm sure she's SICK of them:)  I don't think she'll ever have a moment's peace!!!  But to tell you the truth, I couldn't be happier!

Isn't she LUCKY?!

Fashionista

Although we're not dressed to the nines for our showing of Wicked, we weren't as bad as some.  Look to the right of where we are standing and you'll see a girl in black.  What you may not be able to see well is her pointy hat.  And the fact that that is not a black dress, but a cape.  She didn't paint herself green, which saved her from further comments made by Randy and Danen, but she was the object of many stares.  Same with the girl that shaved her hair short and dyed it every color of the rainbow.  Interesting!  I'm also glad Randy didn't try and wear his holey jeans.  He said he knew I wouldn't let him.  Right you are, sweetheart.  He should also count his lucky stars I didn't find us matching shirts!  I'm like that, you know.

Crossover

Our May Pack Meeting was for the 11 year old boys that were crossing over.  All of the 10 year old boys earned their Arrow of Light, so we made that the theme.

 Congratulations Jesse, Brayden, Caden, Daniel, and Zachary.

 Here are the "Arrow" fruit kabobs I made.  They were so fun!  However, little kids running with sharp skewers was not the best activity after the fruit was consumed!

 The activity was for the kids to make their own arrows.  It was super fun to watch.  Easy for all ages as well.  Even Ty got in on the action, although he wouldn't stand still for a photo:)

 It's still hard for me to believe my little man is 11!  He's just so cute!

 As soon as we needed family pictures, our camera decided it was time to act up.  Every single one of them look terrible.  Oh well, at least we have pictures at all!

 I wore a shirt that had a hanging collar so I wouldn't have to worry about a "prick."  Genius, I know:)

 I love my little man!

Caden has now crossed over from Cub Scout to Boy Scout!  Congratulations, Caden!

Wicked Weekend!

On Saturday, Kimberly, Danen, Randy and I headed down to Denver to see Wicked for my birthday.  It was a whole lot less of a drive than last year when Kimberly and I drove to Omaha, NE!  Especially since Randy drove the whole time:)

 We stopped at The Cheesecake Factory before the show.  Ummm... since Kimberly, Randy and I have been on the same diet for the past couple of weeks, this was the PERFECT place to have a cheat day!

 Randy's Snickers Caramel (with a bite taken before the picture!)

 My Peanut Butter Butterfinger Receses

 Kimberly's Receses Peanut Butter Cup

 And Danen's Chocolate Raspberry (sans the Raspberry apparently!)  

**It should also be noted that I did not get a picture of the two slices we got after the show as well.  I got a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Randy got a Key Lime Pie:)  Like I said, CHEAT day:)  The last two slices were our dinner! 

 Me with my Prince.  Or for those of you that have seen the show, Elphaba with her Fiaro!  I'm just a little less green!

This was such a long day, but oh so worth it.  The babysitting bill was a bit steep- seeing as she was here for 13 hours- but, seeing as I purchased the tickets on December 6th, 2011, I only count the babysitting as my birthday present.  The actual tickets are justified as... I'll let you know another time:)  I'm still thinking of the justification!

p.s. I've heard that Wicked will be in SLC in September, and in Dallas in 2013.  This will NOT be the last time I see this production!  Watch out, you may just be seeing it with me next time.  You'll LOVE it!

Preschool Graduation

Shelby and Brennon graduated from Preschool on Friday.  It was fun to see how happy they both were.  Look at this perfect smile from my B-boy!

 Anthony saw me taking pictures and asked to be in one with Brennon.  With such a handsome boy, who wouldn't want a picture with him?!  It should also be noted that Anthony is the only child Mrs. G has ever taught that had 100% attendance.  I don't know how he did it.  My kids don't get sick EVERY illness that goes around, but they do get sick.  He NEVER got sick!  How would it be?

 Such HAPPINESS!

 Certificates with Mrs. Griswold!

 There's the smile I LOVE!  Shelby is getting into the stage of "too-much-thought" smiles and usually gives crazy eyes.  Unless she's genuinely happy, that is!

 Shelby wanted her hair done in a "flower."  With sparkles!  I couldn't say no to such a cutie!

 So glad she got rid of scary/crazy eyes:)

I still can't believe she's going to Kindergarten.  My babies are growing too fast!!!!!

L.O.V.E our teachers!!!

I wanted to give each of the teachers this year an appreciation gift.  I found these here and couldn't resist.  They were so easy, yet so inexpensive, however, they looked SUPER cute.  It's not too late if you'd like to make one.  http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/04/tin-can-treats-for-mothers-day/.  I love looking creative by copying:)

Coming Soon!

Can't write now, but wanted you get you excited to hear all about my second year going to see Wicked for my birthday.  This was taken by Danen while waiting for the show to start.  I LOVE having a best friend that loves the same things I do.  I LOVE Kimberly!!!

Happy 11th Birthday Caden!!!

 From minutes old...

To today & Forever...

You'll always fit inside my arms.  And heart!  Happy Birthday Caden.  It's hard to believe you're ELEVEN today!

Happy Birthday!!!

Fight/Play

This makes me happy!  They were all smiling and having such a good time the other morning.  Randy's getting her to "fight" a little more, and teaching the kids to "play" with her more.  She's getting more and more used to us.  And the constant noise.  She still feels the need to sneak away from all the chaos sometimes, but those times are becoming few and far between.  I'm not sure, however, that she'll ever be used to Tyson following her around and laying on her she she lays down:)

ABC Family Film

Randy and I rented "The Reality of Love" an ABC Family Film.  It was somewhat corny in a few places, but for the most part, it was fun.  Until the last 5 minutes!  The boss, who happens to be a woman, says, "Congratulations, you got the girl.  And so did I!"  They had to incorporate a "Socially accepted" relationship into a Family film. We are becoming so desensitized to so many things, it makes me mad that we can no longer trust ABC to keep up with their once appropriate Family status.  I would have really liked the show if not for that.  Eye-rolling parts and all!

My Mess!

We have all had another stomach bug!  It's like the fourth one that has circulated around Bar Nunn.  And of course, we've gotten it again.  Keilie came home from our FHE outing and threw up on the kitchen floor.  I sent  her to bathe while I cleaned up the rug.  The next day she threw up again, but was fine for the rest of the day.  Although, not wanting to give up her acting, kept playing SUPER sick all day.  I had to laugh at her attempts to get things we only buy when we have sick kids.  She needed Saltine crackers (which she loathes) and Sprite.  Then, while she knew I was going to get them asked for the flavored juice I give babies.  Pedialite!  She is such a whiner sometimes.  But man, do I love that little girl:)  Anyway, Caden was next.  He's the suffer in silence type, which always breaks my heart more.  Ty ended up getting in on Wednesday while we were supposed to be having playgroup at our house.  I, thankfully, had everyone go to the park across the street or we would have had kids here while Ty was retching up pickles.  He would throw up, take a step back, throw up again, and take another step.  This happened to create five puddles.  Of chewed up pickles.  Sorry for the TMI, but it was awful.  After his bout, he looked up at me with the saddest most bloodshot eyes, and said, "Mommy.  Will you clean up my mess?"  I scooped him up, hugged his small frame to me and took him to get cleaned up.  While he was in the bath, splashing around like normal, I cleaned up the kitchen.  There were many times when I almost made puddles myself:)  No one said motherhood was easy!  When I got him out, he went straight to the "crime" scene and proclaimed, "Mom, I'm all better.  The floor is clean."  And after that first time, he really was all better.  I have some M.A.D cleaning skills apparently.  I heal the sick!

No Puppies. Ever!

Today our sweet Bella went in to have the dreaded!  I woke to walk her at 6:15 (our usual time since the kids have been insisting 5:30 is alright!) and decided to take her to our old neighborhood to be closer to the vet.  So, we walked for 45 minutes around the neighborhood- missing it of course- and had a good time with all of the bunnies.  I thought we had a ton at our house, but quickly realized there are WAY more where we used to live.  My shoulder realized this as well!  We got to the vet for our 7:30 check in and said our goodbyes.  I felt somewhat guilty sending her off to the unknown- on her part at least- but knew that in the long run she would be healthier.  The kids were missing her by the time I got back home.  They kept asking where she was, when she was going to be home, and again where she was.  When I picked the kids up from preschool at 11:30, Shelby jumped in the car and started asking for Bella.  I had to explain that I was scheduled to pick her up at 3:00.  After lunch she made the proclamation, "Bella is gone too long.  We need to pick her up."  I knew the kids loved her, but didn't realize that a few hours without her today would be so traumatizing.  Bella had a hero's welcome from 5 very excited kids.  Each was allowed to give her one gentle pet before she retired to her pillow for the evening.  She has been incredibly tired and sore all night, so the kids have been banned from the front room.  However, I've caught all of them sitting next to her, talking softly, petting her neck and telling her how much they love her at different times all night.  Life could not be more perfect for our family.  She really is the best thing that's happened to us these past few months!  It's also nice to know that there will be no more time away from her.  I don't think the kids could handle the separation:)

Family Picture 2012

Randy's Grandma is having an 80th birthday bash on the 25th of May.  Her gift from all will be a scrapbook of memories.  I knew I wanted to get a current family picture.  Especially since Randy's lost 25 pounds and I've lost 14 since the last one:)  I knew just the spot I wanted it taken as well- across the street from our house!  So, I called up Kimberly and commissioned her expertise!  This is the best family picture out of many.  Can you imagine the responsibility of getting 7 people to look at the camera, smile a "real" smile, and work a seriously complicated camera?  I can't!  She got individual shots and will edit them shortly.  For now, I'm in heaven with this family!

Randy's New Favorite Banana Bread!

Armed with my highlighter and two new cookbooks, I sat down one afternoon and chose the recipes I wanted to try.  I happened to have some over-ripe bananas, so it was perfect that I found a recipe that I had all of the ingredients and wanted to test out a new bread.  I found one that I've fallen in love with and have since made 3 times.  Mind you, I've only had this recipe for less than a month!  I LOVE it.  Even if I've only had a small pinch to taste:)  *Only 7 more days of this diet!!!  Anywhoooo...  I had to share the recipe.  It's from my good friend, Shannon.  She's also the one that coordinated the whole cookbook and asked for the recipe share.  I'm forever in her debt!

Cream Cheese Banana Bread
3/4 c. butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 c. sugar
2 large eggs
3 c. flour (I use 1 cup white & 2 cups wheat)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
1 cup nuts (optional)

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
Combine flour and next three ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended.  Stir in bananas, nuts (optional) and vanilla.  Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured 8x4" loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan.  (I found that after one hour, my banana bread wasn't completely cooked through.  I ended up baking it for an extra 10-15 minutes.)  Cool bread in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.  Removed from pans, and cool 30 minutes on wire racks before slicing.

**I personally filled (4) 2x6x3"pans with 1 cup batter each and (1) 3x7.5x4" pan with remaining.  I only had to bake for 45 minutes.  I also sprinkle a pinch of sugar on the tops before baking.  It gives it a sweet crunch that is irresistible:)

Swing

One of my most favorite memories with my sister Ashlee is swinging on a Sunday morning in our church dresses singing "It's raining, it's pouring."  We swung back and forth, singing that song over and over, just enjoying the beautiful weather.  *Whisper* If I would have known that I'd live in a windy town when I grew up, I would have enjoyed that windless day SO much more! *Ahem*  We got the kids a playset last year hoping that the kids would love it enough to play outside every second they could.  This year we got our wish.  Shelby and Brennon have spent countless hours on the teeter-totter swing and we're not even in the summer months yet!  It's almost as if they're hardwired to go out together and just swing.  They are inseparable!  And I couldn't be more happy.  These will be some of their favorite memories- I just know it!

Kenyan Albert Kearl

My sister, Brooke, was due to have her baby boy on June 17th.  She is diabetic, so she was on high watch for both the baby and herself.  She was going to her high risk doctor and her OB/GYN every week.  This last Thursday she had an appointment that saved her baby's life!  She hadn't felt him move for a while, so when she got there she made sure to tell them right away.  During the ultrasound the doctor noticed that, sure enough, Kenyan wasn't moving as much as he should.  They sent her in to labor and delivery for some stress tests.  After a few hours they decided that they needed to deliver him now.  8 minutes after they got her epidural in, Kenyan Albert Kearl was born at 8:45 PM on May 3, 2012 weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces and was 17 inches long.  They determined that because there was too much amniotic fluid, he was "swimming" too much and was pinching the umbilical cord.  When they pulled this little fighter from her womb they rushed him to the NICU.  He was not breathing, so they had to do chest compressions to get him going.  He is on a ventilator (which he hates and tries to pull out!) and is currently on an antibiotic to fight an infection raging somewhere in his tiny little body.  He is still pretty swollen and bruised, but you can see that he has Brooke's beautiful skin tone, curly hair, nose, and toes.  The first 24 hours are the most crucial, but he's pulling through like a warrior!  He was life-flighted down to Primary Children's Medical Center, so Brooke has not even been able to look at him once.  Has not been able to even touch her sweet prince.  She will be released from the hospital on Monday (if she can get her own infections under control) and will finally get to be with this sweet little man who has everyone wrapped around his small (tiny more like it) finger!  Welcome to the world sweet Kenyan.  You are incredibly loved.  How grateful I am that he's here.  They told her that if she would not have had that appointment, he would have been born still.  He'll go in for an MRI on Monday to see if there was any damage done to the brain from lack of oxygen.  Only time will tell if there was any cognitive damage done.  All I know, is that little boy is fighting an uphill battle- And winning!  I can't wait to see my new warrior nephew:)

Nose?

While snuggling with Ty the other morning, I was playing the "body parts" game.  I pointed to his nose, pushed in the "button" and said, "Nose."  He said, "No, mom.  That's my bugger holder."

Revert

We've had Bella for just over a week.  However, this has been enough time for Ty to get supremely jealous of another "baby" in the house and start peeing his pants again.  We've found him simply peeing on the floor.  It's SO frustrating!  We've gone back to bribing him with candy each time he goes.  Now, if you remember, this is the boy that potty trained himself.  We never had to give him candies to begin with.  I guess I'm not done with potty training after all!  Blah!  It's a good thing he's motivated by M&M's:)

Widow Watching

Watchin' the passing cars.  And waiting for Caden and Keilie to get home from school!

Cereal

As with many of my shopping trips, I only went into Smith's for a few things.  I happened to travel down the cereal isle and happen on a gold mine.  They had all of the Brand Name cereal for A DOLLAR FIFTY A BOX!!!  This never happens.  So, what did I do?  I filled my cart.  THREE TIMES!

 103 boxes in all.  I saved more than I spent all three times!

I love the organization I'm able to have in my storage room.  Randy spoils me rotten with his mad skills at carpentry.  So, if I invite your family over for dinner one night, what do you think we'll have?  Better yet, make your requests now:)

As a side note, with 5 kids eating their favorite cereal for breakfast, a box only lasts one meal!  This could potentially only last us for about 4 months!

Attention

All of the kids want Bella's attention ALL of the time.  If we leave the house, they all run in trying to be the first to see her.  They all want her undivided attention when they want it, not when she's ready to give it.  As seen here...

 Bella was trying to take a nap.  This wasn't working for Shelby.  She was ready to play, so she was going to play!

 Later I found them napping on the floor.  More accurately, Shelby was laying on Bella as she was trying to finish her nap.

Bella seems to have adapted to always being around kids.  And I mean ALWAYS!  I love how well she fits into our family.  Shelby tells everyone that we're a family of 8 now.  And so we are:)